Xylamax

Introduction
Xylamax is an endo-1,4-beta-xylanase enzyme, which targets and breaks down non-starch polysaccharides, specifically xylans, in the cell walls of feed grains.

Manufacturer´s main claims

  1. Improved Nutrient Digestibility: Xylamax enhances the breakdown of non-starch polysaccharides, specifically xylans, in feed grains. This action releases valuable nutrients that would otherwise be trapped, making them available for digestion and improving overall nutrient absorption.

  2. Energy Release: The enzyme is designed to deliver consistently high levels of energy release in animal feed, optimizing energy availability to support growth and overall performance.

  3. Reduced Digesta Viscosity: Xylamax reduces the viscosity of intestinal contents, which accelerates nutrient digestion and improves passage rate, further enhancing energy availability.

  4. Prebiotic Effect: The enzyme promotes a healthy gut microbiota by creating a prebiotic effect, which supports better gut health and provides increased protection against pathogenic challenges.

  5. Economic Benefits: By improving feed efficiency, Xylamax helps producers reduce feed costs, which is a significant portion of animal production expenses. This leads to more sustainable and economical meat production.

  6. Versatility: Xylamax can be used successfully across multiple feed ingredients and production environments, making it a flexible solution for various animal diets

 

Technical specifications of Xylamax™

EU category
Zootechnical additives

Functional group of additives
Digestibility enhancers

Active substance
Endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8)

Enzymatic activity in the product
150,000 XU/g

EU approval, minimum content
All poultry species for fattening
All poultry species reared for laying or reared for breeding purposes

10,000 XU/kg feed

End of period of EU authorisation

13 April 2033

EU code

4a35

Production organism

Komagataella phaffii (DSM 33574)

Product storage stability
The shelf life of Xylamax was evaluated over 24 months in samples stored at 30°C. After this period, the loss of enzyme activity ranged between 18.8% and 21.1%, indicating good stability over extended storage periods.

Storage (and heat) stability in premix and feed
The stability of Xylamax in feed was assessed by adding the enzyme to a mash soy/maize-based feed for chickens at a concentration of 70 mg/kg. The feed was then pelleted at 85°C for 30 seconds, resulting in a 30% loss of enzyme activity due to the heat treatment. After three months of storage at 25°C and 60% relative humidity, additional losses in activity were minimal, with only 5% loss in mash feed and 4.5% in pelleted feed.

Homogeneity
The capacity of Xylamax to mix homogeneously in feed was evaluated using ten subsamples of both mash and pelleted feeds. The coefficients of variation were 6% for mash feed and 2% for pelleted feed, indicating a high degree of homogeneity in the distribution of the enzyme within the feed.

Physical properties

  • Appearance: Xylamax appears as a light grey powder.

  • Bulk Density: The bulk density of the powder is 930 kg/m³.

  • Dusting Potential: The dusting potential, measured using the Stauber-Heubach method, averaged 12,210 mg/m³ across three batches, with a range of 12,114 to 12,341 mg/m³.

  • Particle Size Distribution: The particle size distribution, analyzed by laser diffraction, revealed the following average percentages:

    • Particles smaller than 100 µm: 63.2% (range 59.5-69.8%)
    • Particles smaller than 50 µm: 43.1% (range 39.9-48.4%)
    • Particles smaller than 10 µm: 12.4% (range 11.2-14.0%)
    • Particles smaller than 1 µm: 1.4% (range 1.3-1.6%)

Handling
The European Commission states: "For users of the additive and premixtures, feed business operators shall establish operational procedures and organisational measures to address the potential risks resulting from their use. Where those risks cannot be eliminated by such procedures and measures, the additive and premixtures shall be used with personal breathing, skin and eye protective equipment."

Manufacturer
Novus

List of references

EFSA (2022). Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-b-xylanase produced by Komagataella phaffii DSM 33574 (Xylamax) for chickens and turkeys for fattening, chickens reared for laying/breeding, turkeys reared for breeding and minor poultry species for fattening or raised
to the point of lay (BioResource international, Inc.). EFSA Journal, 2022;20(7):7428

EU (2023). COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2023/669 of 22 March 2023 concerning the authorisation of a preparation of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase produced by Komagataella phaffii DSM 33574 as a feed additive for all poultry species for fattening and all poultry species reared for laying and reared for breeding (holder of authorisation: BioResource, international, Inc. represented in the Union by Pen & Tec Consulting, S.L.U.). Official Journal of the European Union, L84/10-13